Garrett running for judge

Lafayette Parish attorney Valerie Gotch Garrett has announced her candidacy for judge in the 15th Judicial District.

Garrett, who has practiced law in the 15th Judicial District for more than 20 years, is running for the Division E seat currently held by Herman Clause. Clause announced Monday that he will not seek re-election.

"The rule of law is the pillar of our judicial and economic systems," Garrett said in a news release. "Laws must apply to everyone in order for there to be confidence in the fundamental fairness of our system."

Garrett, a graduate of UL Lafayette and Southern University Law School, said her Catholic education and her parents instilled in her a desire to serve others and that same spirit guided her in her law practice, which has been honored for service on behalf of clients who do not have the ability to pay. She is a recipient of the 2014 Pro Bono Publico Award by the Louisiana State Bar Association.

"I want to teach, to blend, to share and to bring a high quality of justice to the court, regardless of a person's age, income, race or gender," she said.

The election will be Nov. 4. Qualifying is from Aug. 20-22.

The 15th Judicial District includes the parishes of Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion.

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